We use cookies to improve our service and to tailor our content and advertising to you.More infoYou can manage your cookie settings via your browser at any time. To learn more about how we use cookies, please see our cookies policy.

Implications for practice and research

Current evidence does not support continuing trials of health checks in general population and could lead to unnecessary tests and treatments.

Future research should examine effects of structural public health interventions including effects of higher tax on cigarettes and alcohol on reducing disease.

Context

General health check programmes screen asymptomatic groups with the aim of detecting disease or risk factors at an earlier stage to prevent future illness and improve health outcomes.1 2 General health screening, while providing benefits, is associated with disadvantages including false reassurance or over treatment.3 Criteria for establishing screening and evaluation of programmes are essential.3

Methods

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.